Laguna puts a new spin on 12” lathe with controller

Laguna Tools has turned its newest lathe into a reliable tool for woodturners with a special control that improves performance at low to mid-range speeds, according the company. The Revo 12/16 Midi-Lathe features a Pulse Width Modulation motor controller that draws higher torque to minimize rpm loss.

“We set out to make the best 12” lathe designed for woodworking industry and we think we succeeded for many reasons,” says Laguna’s Benjamin Helshoj.

“The Pulse Width Modulation controller is a different type of controller that will help with problem of the lathe bogging down when gouging deeper cuts at low to mid speeds. This controller will always be fully on or fully off.”

Transistors speed up communication between the motor and controller, stabilizing the rpm while increasing torque when needed. It is an efficient alternative to increasing torque by increasing motor speed alone, Helshoj explains.

The lathe has a 1-hp DC permanent magnet motor with DCM controller and three speed ranges: low (50 to 525 rpm); mid (325 to 1,750 rpm), and high (650 to 3,500 rpm).

The distance between centers is 15-1/2” The swing over bed is 12-1/2” and swing over banjo is 9-1/2”.

The lathe has a maximum outboard swing of 16”, 3/8” spindle bore, and 2-1/2” of tailstock quill travel.

Standard features include a 24-position index system, digital readout, forward and reverse spindle rotation, 3” faceplate, and more. The lathe sits on an adjustable stand (39” to 45”) and weighs about 200 lbs., according to Laguna.

The lathe sells for $799. Optional accessories include a 10” cast iron extension, tool rest extension and spindle adaptor.

For more, visit www.lagunalathe.com.

This article originally appeared in the February 2019 issue.